British Airways CEO: “The glory days are coming”

With 72 new planes, more free meal options and better Wi-Fi British Airways wants to become the carrier for everyone

British Airways will purchase 72 new planes and renovate the interior of the aircraft currently in use —
Fasttailwind / Shutterstoc

British Airways plans to purchase 72 new planes, extend their offer of in-flight free meals and provide passengers with high-speed Wi-Fi. 128 aircraft that are currently in use will be renovated to include modern interior and at-seat power for customers in all cabins.

According to the company’s CEO Alex Cruz, these investments are supposed to make British Airways “the airline of choice for everyone”.

“The glory days are coming back,” he said during a speech at the World Travel Market in London on Tuesday. “I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead.”

The carrier struggles with a reputation that has suffered a number of embarrassing setbacks in 2017, including staff strikes and a devastating computer meltdown that caused the company an estimated £80 million loss.

Passengers will receive a full second meal on each long-haul flight, and snacks will be improved — Prometheus72 / Shutterstock

“We have learnt some hard lessons this year and where we have fallen short we are doing our best to put it right,” Cruz admitted.

Moreover, the company is facing growing challenges from low-cost airlines. That’s why British Airways will upgrade their meal offering for long-haul economy customers. Passengers will get a full second meal on each flight, and snacks will be improved.

“The low-cost model is now spreading to long-haul,” said Cruz. “If you don’t change habits formed in cosier eras you will shrink and ultimately risk irrelevance.”

“I am passionate about setting British Airways on the right path to deliver for our customers and fulfil our potential. If we continue to embrace change while staying true to our values, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” he added.